Frankly, I’m not sure. So many blogs with more added daily. So, who has time to read them all, and what would attract them to yours (or mine)? This is the important question. No one can read many blogs, but we can read blogs that interest us if the content answers a question, provides direction, and gives us a suggestion.

Here are my guidelines (and there are many more that could be added).

1. Timely topics - what search topics come up within your specific niche?

2. Timely entries - add to your blog at least one time per week.

3. Give readers a reason to leave a comment. Stir-up some thoughts, some emotion, some controversy

4. Link your blog to your web site.

5. Link your blog to specific pages on your web site.

6. Write about topics that interest your readers.

7. Don’t step outside of your expertise, interest, or passion.

Jerry Work offers similar suggestions in his article A 7 Step Plan for Writing a Blog that No One Will Ever Read.

Jerry makes two important points. Ping blog directories each time you add a blog comment, and make sure you link your comments to other sites that provide further elaboration to your comment. As Jerry states, “If your blog is good, they (readers) will be back.”

Sun Microsystem’s blog policy includes three points I’ve mentioned.

1. “Be Interesting Writing is hard work. There’s no point doing it if people don’t read it.”

2. “Write What You Know”

3. “Quality Matters” All the grammar, spelling, and punctuation stuff.

4.  “Think About Consequences” Don’t write what you cannot defend. Don’t forget what your grandmother told you, “Be nice.”

You’ll find the “Sun Microsystem’s Policy on Public Discourse” in The Corporate Blogging Book, by Debbie Weil (the list is on page 161).

Finding a trustworthy resource for internet marketing gives me emotional hic cups. Will this person keep their agreement? Will this presumed-mentor recommend workable methods, or take my money and run with giggles to the bank.

Today, a student of Kevin Bidwell wrote to me with complaints about Kevin’s failure to keep his side of the bargain. She paid her money, and now she wants it back. Her letter beckoned others to join the “down on” Kevin chorus. Obviously, she has concerns.

I wrote to Kevin a while ago because no updates have been made to trafficwriting.com since January. No one answers his phone, no one replies to my email, and all-in-one-business.com is shut down. This bothers me too.

Here is my reply to her warnings and pleas:

“Your recent comments about Kevin Bidwell engender a few concerns.

Like yourself, I waited a long time before committing to working with Kevin. I did not spend as much as yourself; however, the student/mentor agreement is perpetual. Lately, all inquiries to Kevin remain unanswered.

I do recall the time Kevin burned himself quite severely; when able, he replied to my email.

Most importantly, a nervous breakdown collapses body, mind, and spirit. If your report is accurate, Kevin will need months of recovery. Further, a nervous breakdown for one member of the family brings melancholy chaos to a household.

Not sure what this means for your business agreement with Kevin. However, before attacking the Bidwell citadel, perhaps you should wait to determine if Kevin will reply, or someone associated with Kevin replies.

All-in-one-business.com is temporarily shut down, yet the member site, trafficwriting.com is accessible.

I have corresponded with Kevin; he is not a man who would abandon clients. Rather than creating a bandwagon of resentment, be patient and believe that something positive will come to you from your association with Kevin Bidwell.”

Further, if Kevin’s health led to this hiatus, he needs our prayers, not our criticism.

Kevin’s student is not attacking; she wants her money back. Further, she’s baffled that no one from his organization replies to her.